Neal threw live batting practice for the first time since getting sidelined in mid-June because of a right elbow injury, the Rocky Mountain News reports. He will have one or two days off before throwing again.

The former Marlins prospect had a decent year for the Padres in 2004 pitching in predominately low-pressure relief situations. The 26-year-old doesn't possess the demeanor, command or stuff to excel in a rotation, and will likely compete for a bullpen role in the upcoming season with stints at Triple-A Portland a distinct possibility.

2004

Neal's season started bad and got worse. Opposing batters turned into Ted Williams against him, batting .413 with a 1.031 OPS, until the Marlins finally shut him down. If his elbow is OK he might bounce back, but his days of being their closer of the future are long gone.

2003

When Braden Looper became the closer of the present, Neal inherited the Closer-of-the-Future tag. Tim Spooneybarger's arrival probably bumps him down to Set-Up Guy of the Moment or even Minor League Closer of the Now.